Clinical Efficacy of Concentrated Growth Factors for the Management of Marginal Tissue Recession: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: To systematically review existing scientific literature to determine, compare, and evaluate whether concentrated growth factors (CGF) or connective tissue grafts (CTG) is a better treatment alternative for patients with marginal tissue recession (MTR). METHODS: Electronic databases like PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were screened from the last 20 years reporting treatment of MTR using CGF or CTG and other techniques. Periodontal parameters like probing depth, clinical attachment level, recession depth, recession width, keratinized tissue width, root coverage, increase in gingival thickness and plaque index, and gingival index were compared. Standardized mean difference was used as a summary statistic measure with a random effect model and P value <0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: Six studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included in qualitative synthesis, of which only 4 studies were suitable for meta-analysis. The pooled estimate through standardized mean difference signifies that CGF was superior to CTG in the reduction of probing depth, gingival index, and plaque index and gain in clinical attachment level while CTG was superior in reducing the recession depth and recession width. Both the procedures had an overall equal effect on keratinized tissue width and root coverage, but these differences were statistically insignificant (P>0.05). Publication bias through the funnel plot showed symmetric distribution without systematic heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that treatment of MTR with CTG or CGF resulted in clinically favorable outcomes, but no statistically significant differences was observed between these 2 procedures regarding the outcome.

Narrative review on artificially intelligent olfaction in halitosis.

Halitosis, commonly known as oral malodor, is a multifactorial health concern that significantly impacts the psychological and social well-being of individuals. It is the third most frequent reason for individuals to seek dental treatment, after dental caries and periodontal diseases. For an in-depth exploration of the topic of halitosis, an extensive literature review was conducted. The review focused on articles published in peer-reviewed journals and only those written in the English language were considered. The search for relevant literature began by employing subject headings such as 'halitosis, oral malodor, volatile sulfur compounds, artificial intelligence, and olfaction' in databases such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Additionally, a thorough hand search of references was conducted to ensure the comprehensiveness of the review. After amalgamating the search outcomes, a comprehensive analysis revealed the existence of precisely 134 full-text articles that bore relevance to the study. Abstracts and editorial letters were excluded from this study, and almost 50% of the full-text articles were deemed immaterial to dental practice. Out of the remaining articles, precisely 54 full-text articles were employed in this review. As primary healthcare providers, dentists are responsible for diagnosing and treating oral issues that may contribute to the development of halitosis. To effectively manage this condition, dentists must educate their patients about the underlying causes of halitosis, as well as proper oral hygiene practices such as tongue cleaning, flossing, and selecting appropriate mouthwash and toothpaste. This narrative review summarises all possible AI olfaction in halitosis.

Effectiveness of herbal oral care products in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis: an overview of systematic reviews.

Introduction: Numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews have investigated the effectiveness of both herbal and conventional oral care approaches to reducing plaque and gingivitis. However, their findings vary and are inconsistent. Thus, the objective of this umbrella review is to compile data from systematic reviews and provide an overview of the effects of herbal oral care products on tooth plaque and gingivitis. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was performed in 6 databases for systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses, published up to 30 May 2023, without any language restrictions. Only clinical trials comparing herbal oral care products (in the form of mouthrinse or toothpaste) against standard oral care products or placebo were considered. Results: Some herbal oral care products, particularly in the form of mouthrinses, have a similar level of positive effect on plaque and gingivitis reduction and, thus, can be used as an adjunct to traditional dentifrices. However, the shorter duration of trials (<4 weeks) and reported publication bias in the clinical trials mean that these findings must be interpreted with caution. Conclusion: To accurately determine the impact of various herbal extracts on periodontal health, well-designed, long-term, and controlled trials that adhere to standardized protocols must be carried out.

Introduction: On a étudié l'efficacité d'approches de soins buccodentaires classiques et à base de plantes pour lutter contre la plaque dentaire et la gingivite dans le cadre de nombreux essais cliniques et revues systématiques. Toutefois, leurs conclusions ont été variables et incohérentes. Cette revue générale vise donc à compiler des données issues de revues systématiques et de présenter un aperçu des effets des produits de soins buccodentaires à base de plantes sur la plaque dentaire et la gingivite. Méthodes: On a procédé à une recherche documentaire exhaustive dans 6 bases de données pour effectuer des revues systématiques, avec ou sans méta-analyses, sans aucune restriction relative à la langue de l'étude, publiées avant le 30 mai 2023. Seuls des essais cliniques comparant des produits de soins buccodentaires à base de plantes (sous forme de rincebouche ou de dentifrice) à des produits de soins buccodentaires classiques ou à des placebos ont été envisagés. Résultats: Quelques produits de soins buccodentaires à base de plantes, en particulier les rince-bouches de ce type, ont des effets positifs comparables en matière de réduction de la plaque et de la gingivite et peuvent donc être utilisés en complément des dentifrices ordinaires. Toutefois, ces résultats doivent être interprétés avec prudence du fait de la durée relativement courte des essais (moins de 4 semaines) et du biais de publication signalé dans les essais cliniques. Conclusion: Pour déterminer avec précision les effets de divers extraits de plantes sur la santé parodontale, il est nécessaire d'avoir recours à des essais bien conçus, à long terme et contrôlés, qui respectent des protocoles normalisés.

Correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this article is to summarize, compare, and assess possible association in individuals with or without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for periodontitis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Three study repositories were searched for quantitative studies examining the relationship between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis between 2000 and December 2022. Quality was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). The standardized mean difference (SMD), with a random effect model and a P value of 0.05 as the significance level, was utilized as a summary statistic measure. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Fourteen papers were included in the descriptive synthesis. Thirteen were qualified for meta-analysis. Our findings suggest a link between the two conditions in terms of clinical attachment levels (CAL), tooth loss, Plaque Index, and probing depth. The estimated SMD for CAL was found to be 0.68 (95% CI: 0.15-1.21) (P<0.01). For tooth loss, the forest plot analysis revealed an SMD of 1.62 (95% CI: 0.48-2.76) (P=0.005). Similarly, for pocket depth, the SMD was 0.53; CI: 0.07-0.99 (P>0.05). The pooled estimates for plaque index were 0.29; CI: 0.03-0.61 (P>0.05). The funnel plot showed a symmetric distribution with the absence of systematic heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Although our data suggest a link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, larger population-based investigations are needed to validate this connection. Case-control studies must pave the way to more rigorous investigations with well-defined populations and clinical outcomes as primary outcome measures.

Root canal therapy used in conjunction with follow-ups for the nonsurgical handling of an enormous periapical lesion of endodontic origin: Clinical case record.

Key Clinical Message: The main objective of root canal therapy is to locate all the canals, cleaning, and shaping, and obturation to obtain fluid tight seal and to heal the periapical lesion if present. Abstract: The proper cleaning, shaping, and disinfection of the pulp chambers, as well as the filling of the canals, are critical to the efficacy of treatment with root canals. The success of an endodontically treated tooth is dependent on the accuracy of the diagnosis, disinfection, cleaning and shaping, obturation, and finally, the prosthetic rehabilitation management. Root canal therapy should provide a hermatic as well as fluid impenetrable seal which prevents the progression of periapical infection. There are two ways to treat such lesions: surgical and nonsurgical methods. If the root canal is cleaned, shaped, and sealed properly and adequately without the use of a surgical procedure, these lesions will recover during nonsurgical root canal therapy. This case series focuses primarily on the nonsurgical treatment of an enormous periapical lesion and provides evidence that these lesions respond well without surgery.

Oral health status of prisoners in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Given the high prevalence of oral health problems among prisoners, the goal of this systematic review is to provide a better knowledge of the scope of this problem. METHODS: Electronic searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were performed. Studies that investigated inmates aged 18 or older with oral health problems were eligible. Variables reported in four or less studies were described narratively. Conversely, for variables reported in more than four studies, a meta-analysis was performed using random effect model. Furthermore, meta-regression and sensitivity analysis is also performed to evaluate moderator effect on outcome. Doi and LFT index is applied to assess publication bias. RESULTS: Out of 494 results, 12 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of caries among prisoners is 78.42% (59.48%-92.58%). On meta-regression, the prevalence of caries appears to be lower in studies with a higher male percentage; however, non-significant (p = .079) due to small sample size. Community periodontal index (CPI) scores revealed periodontal disease, with scores of 3 and 4. Moreover, a significant need for oral hygiene instruction, prosthesis, extraction, and tooth ache, periodontal disease, oral mucosal lesions, leucoplakia, attrition, abrasion, bruxism, and smoking behaviors were also reported. CONCLUSION: Poor oral health status in the incarcerated population highlights the urgent need for comprehensive oral health intervention in prisons.

Oral health status among the transgender population of India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The invisibility of the transgender population within official records, combined with other socio-economic factors, impacts oral health status among transgender people. Hence, our systematic review and meta-analysis aim to generate a pooled estimate of the oral health status of the transgender community in India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed across four databases. The studies included a quantitative research design conducted in India and involved self-identified transgender individuals. The pooled prevalence was determined at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Q-statistics and the I2 test were utilized to evaluate the source of heterogeneity. Leave-one-out analysis and Baujat plots were used to detect outliers within the studies. A Doi plot and LFK index were employed to assess the publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies comprising 1566 transgender participants were included. The pooled prevalence of toothbrush use among transgenders in India was found at 83% (95% CI: 0.73-0.91), smoking = 12% (CI: 0.03-0.26), smokeless tobacco = 53% (CI = 0.38-0.68), dental caries = 78% (CI: 67%-88%), calculus = 65% (CI: 0.4-0.86), and bleeding 18% (CI:0.08-0.32). CONCLUSION: Oral health disparities among Indian transgender individuals are evident in the low toothbrush usage, an elevated prevalence of tobacco use, and dental disorders such as calculus, cavities, and bleeding. Tailored dental health programs that include inclusive healthcare services and awareness are essential. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42023468872.

Effectiveness of fluoride mouthrinse in prevention of demineralization during fixed orthodontic treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Enamel demineralization is a very common occurrence around bonded brackets in an orthodontic practice. Fluoride (FLR) applications have been used to prevent decalcification and further progression of white spot lesions. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to systematically appraise available literature on the effectiveness of fluoride mouthrinse in the prevention of demineralization around fixed orthodontic appliances. A search was conducted for randomized controlled clinical trials among four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane Review) through MeSH terms and keywords. Studies were excluded if random allocation was not conducted, or if they were animal or in vitro studies. About 146 articles were screened and 5 studies were selected for the present review. Only two studies were selected for MA due to variations in the measurement of outcomes among studies. This review concluded that rinsing with FLR in the course of the fixed orthodontic treatment lessens demineralization around the bracket. Using FLR mouthrinse to inhibit the formation of white spot lesions or dental caries in patients with multiple cavities or restoration can be considered in clinical practice.

A Brief Review on Engaging and Interactive Learning for Children: Exploring the Potential of Metaverse-Based Oral Health Promotion.

The importance of oral health for overall health makes it critical to establish proper oral hygiene practices in children early on. The traditional approaches to teaching children about dental health may not be successful since they may not be able to keep their interest. Metaverse technology offers a promising alternative, allowing for the design of engaging and immersive worlds that can effectively educate children about oral health. Despite the growing interest in the use of metaverse technology in healthcare, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews on its potential for oral health promotion in children. This review aims to fill this gap by providing an overview of the current state of metaverse-based oral health promotion for children, discussing its benefits and challenges, and highlighting its potential for improving children's oral health. By conducting this review, the authors hope to provide new information on the potential of metaverse-based oral health promotion for children and to contribute to the ongoing discussion on the use of metaverse technology in healthcare. This review may also provide valuable insights for dental organizations and practitioners interested in using metaverse technology to promote oral health and healthy living among children.

Effect of Repeated Moist Heat Sterilization on Titanium Implant-Abutment Interface-An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVES: Sterilization eliminates microbial viability by decreasing the biological load, but likewise have the ability to deteriorate the mechanical properties of an implant material. This study intended to evaluate the effect of repeated moist heat sterilization on implant-abutment interface using two different implant systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty screw-retained titanium implant-abutment combinations (fixture 3.5 ×10 mm, abutment 2 mm diameter), twenty each from Genesis (Aktiv Implant Systems, United States) and Bredent (SKY, Germany), were divided into four different groups (n = 10) and placed in a computer-aided diagnostic model. The abutments from each group were exposed to first and second autoclave cycle (121°C for 30 minutes), connected back to the fixture and analyzed under scanning electron microscope for marginal gap and surface roughness. RESULTS: Genesis group showed higher marginal gaps on both sides (buccal/mesial [2.8 ± 0.47]; lingual/distal [2.8 ± 0.33]), while Bredent implant-abutment system (IAS) did not show any changes in marginal gaps after autoclaving. Differences within and between the group were found to be statistically significant. Surface roughness for Genesis (243.7 ± 70.30) and Bredent groups (528.9 ± 213.19) was highest at second autoclave, with Bredent implant-abutment showing higher values for surface roughness than Genesis IAS. CONCLUSION: Marginal vertical gap increased with autoclaving for Genesis IAS, while Bredent implant abutments were more stable. Surface roughness increases with autoclaving for both Genesis and Bredent group of IAS.

India's Union Budget 2023-Healthcare allocation leaves much to be desired.

Healthcare is an imperative sector for India, considering the huge population in the country and the sub-par health facilities available to a majority of the country's people. In this scenario, and given the havoc wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic, owing to India's lack of optimal healthcare infrastructure, a large part of the healthcare industry expected that India's Union Budget 2023 would provide significant outlays for the sector. However, with the budgetary outlay for healthcare coming in at the 10th position from the top, this hope was severely dashed, leading to questions about the country's interest in providing healthcare facilities to its people. This article discusses the various facets of the Union Budget, and the lack of focus on healthcare, while also delineating the reasons why budgetary focus on healthcare is imperative for a developing country like India. It has also brought forth potential solutions, such as a public-private partnership in healthcare, which could ensure increased access to healthcare, improved quality of healthcare, reduced costs, and enhanced innovation and research.

Comparative evaluation of three different regression-equation-based mixed dentition analysis of children for prediction of the mesiodistal width of permanent canine and premolars.

BACKGROUND: Dental malocclusion is common all over the world, and it is caused by a difference in arch length and tooth size. This necessitates mixed dentition analysis for early intervention treatment planning such as eruption guiding, serial extraction, space maintainer, space regainer, and jaw extension. The aim of the study is to comparatively evaluate three different regression equation based mixed dentition analysis of children for prediction of the mesiodistal width of permanent canine and premolars in population of Vidarbha region. METHODS: This study comprised of 300 patients aged 13 to 16 years old. The impressions of patients were poured, and the mesiodistal width of their teeth was measured and documented. Three independent analyses were performed using the Ling and Wong method (L&W), the Bernabe and Flores-Mir method (B&F), and the Tanaka and Johnston method (T&J), and the results were compared to the sum of permanent canine and premolar teeth (SPCP). ANOVA with post hoc analysis was used to compare the predicted mesiodistal diameter (MDD) by analysis to the SPCP observed on cast. RESULTS: The mesiodistal width of SPCP of maxilla and mandibular teeth had statistically significant difference (P<0.001) with the predicted width by Ling and Wong method, Bernabe and Flores method and Tanaka and Johnston method for patients of Vidarbha region. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that all the three analysis overestimated the mesiodistal width of the sum of permanent canine and premolar in the patients. Tananka and Johnston analysis method was better in predicting the SPCP of the children of Vidarbha region.

Ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots: bridging the gaps in dentistry.

Maintaining a microbe-free environment in healthcare facilities has become increasingly crucial for minimizing virus transmission, especially in the wake of recent epidemics like COVID-19. To meet the urgent need for ongoing sterilization, autonomous ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots have emerged as vital tools. These robots are gaining popularity due to their automated nature, cost advantages, and ability to instantly disinfect rooms and workspaces without relying on human labor. Integrating disinfection robots into medical facilities reduces infection risk, lowers conventional cleaning costs, and instills greater confidence in patient safety. However, UV-D robots should complement rather than replace routine manual cleaning. To optimize the functionality of UV-D robots in medical settings, additional hospital and device design modifications are necessary to address visibility challenges. Achieving seamless integration requires more technical advancements and clinical investigations across various institutions. This mini-review presents an overview of advanced applications that demand disinfection, highlighting their limitations and challenges. Despite their potential, little comprehensive research has been conducted on the sterilizing impact of disinfection robots in the dental industry. By serving as a starting point for future research, this review aims to bridge the gaps in knowledge and identify unresolved issues. Our objective is to provide an extensive guide to UV-D robots, encompassing design requirements, technological breakthroughs, and in-depth use in healthcare and dentistry facilities. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of UV-D robots will aid in harnessing their potential to revolutionize infection control practices in the medical and dental fields.

Inorganic nanoparticles in dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic products: Properties, formulation development, toxicity, and regulatory issues.

The use of nanotechnology strategies is a current hot topic, and research in this field has been growing significantly in the cosmetics industry. Inorganic nanoparticles stand out in this context for their distinctive physicochemical properties, leading in particular to an increased refractive index and absorption capacity giving them a broad potential for cutaneous applications and making them of special interest in research for dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes. This performance is responsible for its heavy inclusion in the manufacture of skin health products such as sunscreens, lotions, beauty creams, skin ointments, makeup, and others. In particular, their suitable bandgap energy characteristics allow them to be used as photocatalytic semiconductors. They provide excellent UV absorption, commonly known as UV filters, and are responsible for their wide worldwide use in sunscreen formulations without the undesirable white residue after consumer application. In addition, cosmetics based on inorganic nanoparticles have several additional characteristics relevant to formulation development, such as being less expensive compared to other nanomaterials, having greater stability, and ensuring less irritation, itching, and propensity for skin allergies. This review will address in detail the main inorganic nanoparticles used in dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic products, such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silicon dioxide, silver, gold, copper, and aluminum nanoparticles, nanocrystals, and quantum dots, reporting their physicochemical characteristics, but also their additional intrinsic properties that contribute to their use in this type of formulations. Safety issues regarding inorganic nanoparticles, based on toxicity studies, both to humans and the environment, as well as regulatory affairs associated with their use in dermopharmaceuticals and cosmetics, will be addressed.

Role of various pharmacologic agents in alveolar bone regeneration: A review.

Alveolar bone and gingiva are components of the periodontium that house the tooth. It constantly adapts itself to the masticatory forces and position of the tooth. However, localized diseases like chronic periodontitis and certain systemic diseases destroy periodontal tissues, which include the alveolar bone. Various pharmacological agents are being explored for their pleiotropic properties to combat the destruction of alveolar bone. This review focuses on the role of pharmacological agents in alveolar bone regeneration.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Hesitancy about receiving vaccines has been deemed a global danger to public health by WHO. The sociocultural backgrounds of the people have an impact on vaccine acceptance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sociodemographic factors on COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy as well as to identify the factors that contributed to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the primary variables causing COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among residents of Pune. The general population was sampled through simple random sampling. The minimum sample size was determined to be 1246. The questionnaire inquired about the individuals' sociodemographic information, vaccination status, and reasons for vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: In total, there were 5381 subjects, 1669 of whom were unvaccinated and 3712 of whom were partially vaccinated. Fear of adverse effects (51.71%), fear of losing a few days of work (43.02%), and inability to secure a vaccine slot online (33.01%) were the most frequently cited reasons. An older population (>60 years, p = 0.004), males (p = 0.032), those who were literate (p = 0.011), those of lower middle socioeconomic status (p = 0.001), and smokers were significantly associated with fear and mistrust of the COVID-19 vaccine, while mistrust of the vaccine was greatest among individuals from the upper and lower middle classes (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Vaccine hesitancy due to concerns about the side effects and long-term complications was prevalent among the elderly, males, those from the lower middle class, and smokers. This study emphasizes the importance of communicating effectively about the vaccine's efficacy, its distribution, and vaccination sites.

In Vitro Evaluation of Lithium Disilicate Endocrowns and Post and Core Crowns-A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the results of the studies that have compared the physical and mechanical properties of lithium disilicate (LDS) endocrowns constructed for posterior teeth to those retained by post-and-core retention systems. The review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The electronic search process was conducted on PubMed-Medline, Scopus, Embase and ISI Web of Knowledge (WoS) from the earliest available date till 31 January 2023. Additionally, the studies were assessed for their overall quality and risk of bias using the Quality Assessment Tool For In Vitro Studies (the QUIN). The initial search resulted in 291 articles, out of which, only 10 studies met the eligibility criteria. In all studies LDS endocrowns were compared with various kinds of endodontic posts and crowns made from other materials. There were no definite pattern or trends observed in the fracture strengths of tested specimens. There was no predilection observed in failure patters among the experimental specimens. No predilection was observed in the fracture strengths of LDS endocrowns when compared to post-and-core crowns. Furthermore, no differences in failure patterns could be observed when both types of restorations were compared. The authors propose standardized testing of endocrowns against post-and-core crowns in future studies. In conclusion, long-term clinical trials are advocated to compare the survival, failure and complication rates of LDS endocrowns and post-and-core restorations.

High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence and Characterization of ProBC Plus Weizmannia (Bacillus) coagulans LMG S-31876.

The whole-genome sequence of a Weizmannia (Bacillus) coagulans (ProBC Plus) strain isolated from fermented rice is reported here. The complete genome analysis of the strain will be helpful in the future to combat multitudinous problems and will be helpful in providing insights regarding potential probiotic properties.